Ooops, a few thank yous!

I am such a dork. In trying to get all these posts done and caught up on I neglected to mention how very very thankful we are that Mom and Dad Thom came and stayed with our children for a few days!  It is wonderful knowing your kids are safe and loved while you are away!  We certainly couldn't have gone without you!
Thank you to Katherin and kids for staying a few more days in AZ on your way back to help!  I am sure you were so anxious to get home, and we are so thankful for your sacrifice!
Thank you again to Mom and Dad Goodman for the house and the car for the vacation!  It was so so so nice to have those and we are truly thankful for your kindness and generosity in letting us use them!  Don't worry, we left everything in better shape than we found it - just as we were taught!
We love you all and are so thankful for awesome family that all came together to make a vacation to remember!

Hannah Preschool year 2

For preschool this year, Hannah moved to a friends preschool.  So far she really likes it.  She is totally in love with her backpack.... 

She actually started the day after Emma and Russell but I forgot the camera, and then I was gone for her second day on a little vacation.... so here she is on day 3!  A bit anti- climatic, but hey we got a picture;)  

 With little sister!

 Elise has MAJOR school envy and cannot wait to start preschool next year... *sob* yes, next year....

10 and 15!

So.... Jonathan and I have now been married 10 years!  So crazy and hard for me to believe... but looking at our 9 year old Emma as evidence it is certainly true;)  We have NEVER been on a trip alone together.  We go out on date night.... sometimes.  We do trips to the temple as often as we can... overnight, but other than that we haven't been alone together!  We really wanted to go somewhere crazy to celebrate our 10 year anniversary, as well as the 15 year anniversary of my accident... but time and funds limited as they were we ended up in Snowflake!  

We had a wonderful and relaxing time!  We got to visit my dear Grandma!  I love her so much, she has always been an incredible example to me.  It is really hard to see her like this - as opposed to the strong capable, sharp as a tack woman of my memories.  Regardless, I love her very much!

 We love getting to stay here!  The price is nice and the view is awesome!

 We loved driving all around the white mountains, eating great food, watching a TON of movies, and eating enough fudge for any 12 couples...

 A great little rim hike...

Our super awesome ride for the vacay.  Thanks Dad, for letting us drive your baby!

Broken

I guess Elise was feeling left out on the first day of school or something.... We were watching a friends kids and being the daredevil she is she went up on the top Bunk Bed and said, 1,2,3 JUMP.... 

She came in crying to the living room, and then sat on my lap for hours, I knew then something was wrong.  She wouldn't walk on it and even after icing and elevating all afternoon it was super swollen.  I called Jonathan and asked him to meet me at the urgent care.  The wait was like 4 hours so Jonathan made an appointment for the next day at the Drs office.  I was super stressed out because we had people coming that next day so he said he would take her (which was why I had wanted to do urgent care).  Alas, he didn't so.... the next morning after 4 hours of Dr stuff, not too bad considering that was X-ray time too, here is Elise just before the Dr came in again - 

 And here is Elise getting ready for her cast!

 I should have taken a picture of the X-ray, she broke a bone in her foot.  Now Jonathan feels bad he made her try to walk on it.... poor thing!

 She was WORN out after her big day!  Nothing a Happy meal didn't help.

 You know your 3 year old is in pain when she doesn't move from a spot for hours, unless you move her!

 After a few days of carrying a 30 lb kid around my arm was very sore... keep in mind - I don't have the luxury of switching arms;)

 Hannah was a very sweet helper at the Dr and at home helping with Elise!  She would bring her water, or switch shows, and keep her supplied with fun toys!

First EGG!!!!

We were SO excited!  Dad brought up to the bus stop our chickens very first egg! FUN!  

 Elise wanted a chance to hold it..... OH WELL..........

First day of school 2012/2013 school year!

Ya, I am not one of those super cute Moms that gets professional first day of school pictures!  I figure they should be grateful I remembered to take pictures at all!!!  

Russ is in 2nd grade this year!  CRAZY!  Even crazier, Emma is in 4th.  Where has the time gone?  I want my babies back!  

 Awwww....

 Daddy stayed to wish the kids well!

 Then he made me get in a picture... I had hoped you would think I was wearing a super cute outfit.  Oh well.  Just imagine it.  And imagine I am about 20 lbs skinnier....

 Waiting for that darn bus!  ;)

 This picture makes me laugh - the sun is in their eyes and they look so funny!  I just had to post it!

The Nelsons!!!

My cousin Chantelle is one of my all time favorite people, so we were thrilled to have her and her family come to stay!  Our house is always open to visitors, we love being a stopping point on the way to and from places!  

Elise with Peyton - these two were peas in a pod and really hit it off!

 I love this one of Peyton putting lip gloss on Elise!

 The Nelsons headed to Snowflake to visit Great Grandma, and since it poured rain most of the day the kids and I had a Hot Chocolate party.  Sort of like a tea party, but with hot cocoa, marshmallows, and milk:)

 Even boys get in on this kind of action!

 We had a fun BBQ one night!  This is Hannah and Riley.  Riley starts Kindergarten in a couple of weeks.  She is the one on the left.  Yes, Hannah starts NEXT year.  **sigh**

 Some of the gang for dinner.  It was so great to be together!  Thank you to Derek and Bethi for hosting!

 Peyton is NOT thrilled with Elises lack of sharing skills!

 The morning they had to leave we went on a hike to get all the wiggles out of the girls!  GENIUS idea - how have I never thought of that?  *note to self - we will be doing this from now on!
We did the Cave Hill hike.  Or as people that aren't native to DP call it - old caves crater... :)
Cute Nelson family - Chant is due in a couple of months with their boy!  Awwww!  I might steal him....

 Love this view!  In fact just over Chants shoulder is the house her Dad built that they lived in when Chantelle was a baby!

 Love our little green valley!

 Ready to head back down!

 The cousins!  Aren't they all SOOOOO darling!  That is a lot of girls!  To be fair there ARE boys in the mix.     It is just that mine was at a birthday party and Chantelles is still baking!